Slow and smooth on order for powder skiing

Adjust technique when dry, fluffy stuff falls

By Colin (Zeke) Cathrea, Edmonton Journal

Snow comes in so many textures, shapes, and sizes, and the type you are skiing in varies every time you go out.

Sometimes, when we're really lucky, all the atmospheric conditions align to give us what some call "champagne powder." This is the re-ally dry, light, blow-over-your-face snow that makes us scream at the top of our lungs, "Yahoo!"

When skis were skinny, and I was a strapping young lad, I was fortunate enough to ski this exotic delight many a time. When I taught ski skills at B.C.'s Fernie resort, we bought snorkels at the local sporting goods store to help us breathe. Skinny skis and heavy boys meant getting sucked down into the powder.

Since then, skis have got wider, and the average powder skier will be much more buoyant. But when the dry, fluffy stuff drops, we need to adjust our technique ever so slightly to have a successful day. You will find there is one main difference: there is no base beneath your skis. Edges don't help much, but rolling the skis in a slow, smooth movement is the right way to link together good turns.

You need to use your feet, knees and hips to gently guide your skis where you want them to go. Flexing your ankles will get your weight over the ski and add some notice-able power into each turn. Your hips will help drive your knees and skis out of the fall line and into the next turn. The only firmness I suggest you have is a core stability that stops you from going too far forward or back-ward.

Keeping centred helps to keep your body mass balanced. This will encourage fluidity and allow for nice, smooth, deep-snow turns. When you unweight in soft snow, the movement is slower and more exaggerated. If you push down too forcefully, you will simply compact the snow under you - you won't go up. Think of the action as gently hopping on broken glass. Nothing too sudden.

Your hands and arms will assist in this unweighting action. Swinging them in a smooth, rhythmic pattern will help. Raise them up to shoulder height from a lower position near your waist before your pole plant.

Overall, it is important not to rush or jam these turns. Wait until you get good speed before even trying to turn. I notice this mistake often with novice powder hounds. Pray for a day like this coming to your ski hill soon.

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